Two brothers linked to extensive tagging in Hesperia, gangs

HESPERIA — Two brothers were arrested Wednesday after it was discovered that they had been connected to extensive tagging of gang-related graffiti on city property, officials said.

On July 11, San Bernardino County sheriff's Hesperia station deputies were able to arrest two people, Joseph Munoz, 18 and his 17-year-old brother for tagging city property near Ranchero Road and Farmdale Avenue, officials said. Deputy Jeremy Snyder subsequently arrested the brothers, according to Hesperia station officials.

While the brothers were in custody, Deputy Richard Daniel of the Hesperia station S.M.A.S.H team did some further investigating and was able to secure a search warrant for the Munoz's home in the 17800 block of Bascom street, officials said.

On Wednesday, investigators found evidence inside the home that linked the brothers to more tagging in the city, according to authorities. The evidence also further solidified investigator's' beliefs that the brothers were indeed involved in street gang activity, authorities said.

The brothers are thought to have caused an estimated $1,500 in graffiti damage in the pat six weeks near their home, according to officials.

The city recently voted to pursue civil action against taggers who deface property.

In 2006, the city spent more than $150,000 to clean up graffiti.

"We have to hold people responsible," said Hesperia City Councilwoman, Rita Vogler. "People, children and parents have to be held accountable."

The Hesperia station encourages anyone who witnesses tagging or the defacing of property to contact Sheriff's Dispatch at 245-4211.

Beatriz E. Valenzuela can be reached at 951-6276 or at BValenzuela@vvdailypress.com